Toners are typically used after cleansing your skin to reset your pH balance plus, to hydrate and fortify your skin’s barrier. But did you know there are a few different ways you could apply your toner to benefit certain skin types? Here are the different ways you could apply your toner—learn which one works best for your skin!
Oily and Combination Skin: With Cotton Pads
This is the most recommended way to apply toner, no matter your skin type. But it works even better for those with oily or combination skin types. Using cotton pads to apply your toner not only makes the skin smoother and softer since it gently exfoliates it, but it also helps to grab any excess oil and impurities that may be sitting on top of skin. This is also the best way to apply if you’re following up with a treatment (like a vitamin C or serum) since it preps the skin to better absorb what’s coming next.
How to do it: Gently wipe the skin starting from the inner to outer part of the face.
Expert tip: Use a sturdy, compressed cotton pad like the Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad on areas where pores and flakiness are an issue and you will notice a gradual improvement with continued use.
Normal to Dry and Sensitive Skin: Hands
“When you use your hands to apply toner through a tapping motion, you get an immediate hydration you can really feel,” summarizes Alex Song, brand manager of Korean brand Klairs. That’s truly what makes this method the best one for people with dry and/or sensitive skin types. The explanation really bases on the fact that by combining gentle tapping motions (or even by pressing the skin gently for a few seconds) and the natural heat of the hands, you help the toner to absorb better (and faster) into the skin.
Very Dry Skin: DIY Sheet Mask
Using toner as a sheet mask is the most hydrating of all methods, perfect for very dry and super-sensitive skin types. All you have to do is wet a few cotton pads with your toner and apply them to the face. Leave them on for 5-10 minutes and follow up with a light lotion or a cream to lock-in the moisture. This method also helps the skin to stay hydrated longer than usual. Plus, it allows makeup to apply more easily and stay put longer.
Other Way You Could Use It: As A Mist
You can also get all the benefits from toners by using your favorite one as a mist throughout the day. “This method is actually more moisturizing than when using a traditional water-based mist—compared to directly applying toner with your hands,” says Song.
Just avoid using toner as a mist if you have makeup or sunscreen on. More often than not, sunscreens and foundations include silicone as a main ingredient, which means that instead of absorbing into the skin, products applied on top will evaporate along with the little amount of moisture that is found in the makeup you’ve put on before. That means you’ll not only be losing product, but your skin can also get drier than usual.
If you’re interested in trying out a new toner while putting these different methods to the test, we’ve got top fan favorite toner product recommendations for you!
If hydration is a most, I‘m From’s Rice Toner has totally got you covered. With 77.78% rice extract, it forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss, eliminates dead skin cells, and rebalances dry and tired barriers.
Looking for gentle exfoliation? Formulated with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner works to turnover cells, to keep it clear and exfoliated.
+ What is your favorite toner and how do you like to apply it? Let us know in the comments below.
